We all know there’s no such thing as a bad dog. Sometimes, though, our furry friends aren’t quite as well-behaved as we’d like.
Maybe your dog barks at the postman. Or pulls on their lead when you’re out on walks. Or jumps up at people to say hello. Or doesn’t come when you call them?
It can be frustrating and stressful. And I bet there are plenty of times when you’ve felt embarrassed, too. You imagine people judging you, thinking you’re doing something wrong and you can’t control your dog.
It’s horrible, isn’t it? I know – I’ve been there. And I know what a difference dog training can make to you and your dog’s lives.
Firstly, I want you to remember this, going to a dog trainer isn’t a sign of failure. It doesn’t mean you’re not meant to have a dog or you don’t deserve to be a dog owner. It shows that you care deeply about your dog, and you want the two of you to have a really great relationship and enjoy fun times together.
DON’T WE OFFER DOG TRAINING AT DOGWOOD ADVENTURE PLAY?
We offer dog training here at Dogwood, but we’re not the only dog trainer in the local area.
So yes, it may seem strange that we’re writing this article. But we’re on a mission to help all dog owners enjoy their time - both inside and outside - with their dogs! And whether you learn that through us here at Dogwood or another provider, it doesn’t matter. Happy owners and happy dogs are what we’re all striving for.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you. We’ve even included some of our personal recommendations for dog trainers in Darlington and Middlesbrough.
HOW DO I FIND A DOG TRAINER?
Credit to Ten77 Dog Photography
I’m always one for going on personal recommendation, so a good start is to ask around friends and family and maybe even your vet.
Google is also your friend – search for dog trainers in Darlington and Middlesbrough and check out their website and Facebook page. Remember to have a good look at their reviews to see what customers are saying about them. You can also search for a dog trainer through the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
SHOULD YOU PICK A DOG TRAINER CLOSE TO YOU?
It’s handy if the right dog trainer is close-by but that shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing a dog trainer that’s right for you.
Remember, finding the right dog trainer means you’ll be able to go on stress-free walks, take your dog to the pub, go on holiday with your dog, or relax when they’re around children. So that extra 20, 30, or 40-minute journey now to the right dog trainer might seem like a lot, but it will pay dividends for years and years to come. And of course many trainers now offer remote consultations and online programmes.
WHAT KIND OF DOG TRAINING IS OUT THERE?
Great news! There are lots of different types of dog training available in Darlington and Middlesbrough!
For your adult dog, you might want some obedience training in things like loose lead walking, stay, and recall.
Or perhaps there’s a particular behavioural challenge you’d like help with? For instance, some dog trainers – like us! – specialise in reactive dogs. That’s dogs who become stressed by other dogs or people on walks and, for example, pull, bark or lunge.
Or perhaps you’ve got a puppy? Training from an early age is a good way to get you and your dog on the right track from the start.
You’ll also find trainers who specialise in a particular breed. The recommendations we’ve made later in this article include trainers who work with gundogs, for example.
There are many different types of dog trainers who specialise in different areas. For example, we help reactive dogs, offer puppy training classes, socialisation classes and also offer 1-2-1 and group classes.
HOW DO I KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD AND A BAD DOG TRAINER?
It’s important to find a dog trainer who offers training that’s ‘force-free’ or ‘rewards-based’ or who uses ‘positive reinforcement’. This type of training is about rewarding your dog with food, play or toys for the right behaviour. It’s a humane training technique that will help strengthen the bond between you and build your dog’s confidence, which is more likely to result in long-lasting behavioural change. Personally I like to take things a step further and offer ‘choice-based’ training - where we help dogs to make the right decisions themselves.
I would steer clear of dog trainers who use military-style aversive techniques like shock or pinch collars to punish for wrong behaviour. Also known as ‘positive punishment’ and ‘negative reinforcement’, this kind of training can damage a dog’s confidence as well as your relationship and may leave a dog with other, more severe, behavioural issues.
Unfortunately, the popularity of ‘reward-based’ training means some unscrupulous trainers might say that’s what they do when they don’t. Ask your dog trainer to talk you through how they train basic behaviour and also how they deal with challenging behaviour. Better still, ask to observe one of their classes before you sign up so you can see what they do.
CLASSES OR 1-2-1 TRAINING?
Many trainers will offer a choice of classes or 1-2-1 training. Classes are likely to be cheaper and are great for meeting other dogs and their owners. Puppy training classes are an opportunity for your new addition to the family to learn basic obedience exercises and enjoy socialisation! When choosing a class, make sure it’s not too big – a good dog trainer will limit the number of dogs so they can give each one plenty of attention during the session.
For a dog that needs a bit of extra support with behavioural issues, they’ll benefit from 1-2-1 training where the focus is solely on their needs. Some trainers do the training at your home, or they might use their own safe and secure dog training facility.
YOUR DOG TRAINER CHECKLIST
Before you make your final decision on which dog obedience trainer in Darlington and Middlesbrough to choose, it might help to go through these questions:-
what qualifications and experience does the dog trainer have?
are they a member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers or the Association of Pet Dog Trainers?
do they specialise in training your breed of dog?
are they experienced in your dog’s behaviour problem?
how many puppies/dogs do they have per class?
are their premises safe and secure?
Last but not least, how do you feel about the trainer? Of course, it’s super-important that your dog is relaxed and happy with the trainer – but you’re going to need to get along with them, too. Do you get a good vibe from the trainer? Are they happy to answer your questions? Are they good at explaining things to you and giving feedback? Do they seem understanding and supportive? Sometimes, finding the right dog trainer is about trusting your instinct as much as anything else!
Ready to find a dog trainer?
DOG TRAINERS WE RECOMMEND IN DARLINGTON AND MIDDLESBROUGH
Peak Dog Services, Darlington
Location: Darlington
Overview: Owner Jess offers adult dog and puppy training
Services: Dog training, at-home puppy training, puppy training and social classes for vaccinated puppies. Plus 1-2-1 dog walking with training included
Approach: Jess is a force-free, positive reward-based trainer who uses science-based methods to teach dogs.
DogScentric, Darlington
Location: Darlington
Overview: Owner Liz works with all types of dogs but specialises in high-energy gundog breeds.
Services: Group training classes and 1-2-1 training for puppies, juniors and adults in a secure field. The 1-2-1- training can also be held at your home, within a 10-mile radius of Darlington.
Approach: Liz helps you understand your gundog and shows you how to channel their energy.
Hunter Todd Gun Dog Training, Middlesbrough
Location: Middlesbrough
Overview: As the name suggests, owner Craig specialises in gundogs.
Services: 1-2- training, group classes, puppy obedience classes and gundog training. Craig also offers a dog sourcing service, with help and advice on choosing a puppy.
Approach: Craig helps dog owners through obedience training.
And a little about us! Dogwood Adventure Play, Between Darlington and Stockton
Credit to Ten77 Dog Photography
If you’re interested in training with us, then here’s a little bit about what we do!
We specialise in behaviour issues that are unique to reactive and easily distracted dogs.
Using the space in our large secure field and training areas, our experienced and passionate team of dog trainers and behaviourists personally work with you to help improve your dog’s behaviour.
We have social sessions for dogs that need to improve their focus around distractions, puppy classes that deliver the foundational skills needed for lifelong good behaviour and our signature training system Scentventure gives you back your freedom and LOVE of walking your dog again.
What’s the next step for you?
We hope this article has helped you feel confident about choosing a dog trainer and given you some ideas on where to find a trainer in Darlington or Middlesbrough that’s a perfect fit for your dog.
Of course, we’d love to see you at Dogwood. Along with our dog training, we also have a fantastic sensory field where you and your dog can have the place to yourselves to walk and play without worrying about other dogs or humans.
Want to know more about our adventure playfield?